For clients looking for Japan options, Summer in Okinawa is a distinctly different experience to mainland Japan advises the southern prefecture’s tourism body.
The beaches, marine life, Ryukyu culture and sub-tropical climate makes it the ‘perfect’ respite from New Zealand’s winter chill and Visit Okinawa has a list of must-do activities for visitors.
The region has more than 200 species of coral as well as turtles, manta ray and the famous semi-submerged Blue Cave where the luminescence makes the water shimmer and glow.
There are snorkelling, diving and underwater adventures to experience this, straight off the beach and by boat among the more than 160 islands of the archipelago. There is kayaking through mangrove forests, stand-up paddleboarding, parasailing, jet-skiing and sunset cruises.
Visitors can also island-hop by ferry or plane and recommended destinations include Miyako, Ishigaki, Kume Island and Hatenohama. Back on shore there are eco tours and exploration through the region’s subtropical jungles and winding rivers as well as hands-on cultural experiences including traditional Ryukyu crafts such as pottery, dyeing (bingata), and glass-making workshops.
Okinawa has many summer festivals with firework displays, beachside events, food stalls and live entertainment, says the bureau. The Elsa Dance Festival in Aug (pictured) has energetic drum performances and traditional dancing in the streets, showcasing the centuries-old Ryukyu culture. The Orion Beer Festival is also a highlight with live music, regional cuisine and fireworks. See more details HERE.
